DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                                                           2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                                                 Tel. No. 834-4000 

SFA-AGR-580-05                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            19  August  2005

BANGKOK PHILEMB SECURES RELEASE OF 55 FILIPINOS FROM DETENTION, FACILITATES THEIR RETURN HOME

19 August 2005 – Ambassador Antonio V. Rodriguez of the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy has facilitated the release of 55 Filipinos arrested in Bangkok and Pattaya and their subsequent return to the Philippines.

Fifty-seven Filipinos were arrested from different parts of Bangkok and Pattaya on 27 July 2005.  Immediately after their arrest, the Philippine Embassy had coordinated with Thai immigration authorities on the status of the case.  (Please see Press Release AGR-546-05, 7 August 2005).

Ambassador Rodriguez said that, through representations of the Embassy, 55 of the Filipinos were released for deportation back to the Philippines.  They were able to return home on different flights from 12-19 August 2005. The last three Filipinos in detention are scheduled to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport this evening from Bangkok, Ambassador Rodriquez added.

In respect for the wishes of the Filipinos, Ambassador Rodriguez has asked that the Department not to release their names to the media.

The two remaining Filipinos are not scheduled for deportation and still remain in Bangkok.

Ambassador Rodriguez assured the Department that the Embassy will continue to provide assistance to the remaining Filipinos. END
 

/jay